Here's a breakdown of the possible interpretations of the song's lyrics and their figurative meanings:
Verse 1:
- "Caught in a moment, a fraction of a second...": This line suggests a sense of being caught in a difficult or overwhelming situation, often symbolized as a "moment" or "fraction of a second."
- "A flicker of hope is a glimmer in the dark": This line represents a small glimpse of optimism, a spark of positive thinking that emerges even in the midst of darkness or negative circumstances.
Pre-Chorus:
- "I try to capture the light in the cracks": This imagery portrays the individual's effort to seek out and embrace even the smallest beacons of hope or moments of joy in challenging situations.
Chorus:
- "Lights, follow the lights, they will lead you home": The imagery of "lights" is central to the song. They symbolize the guiding forces or sources of inspiration that can help navigate difficult times. The line encourages listeners to follow these guiding lights as they lead to a sense of belonging and homecoming, suggesting a journey of self-discovery and hope.
- "We'll find our place, when the darkness comes alive...": This line suggests that even when challenges arise and darkness seems to prevail, there's a sense of resilience and the belief that a better place can be found.
Verse 2:
- "I've spent my life searching, for something that I can't find": This portrays a sense of searching for something elusive, a journey of exploration that has yet to find fulfillment or a satisfactory answer.
Chorus:
- "Lights, follow the lights, they will lead you home": The repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea that following these guiding lights can bring a sense of purpose and hope.
- "We'll find our place, when the darkness comes alive...": This line emphasizes resilience in the face of challenges, suggesting that darkness can eventually give way to moments of light and discovery.
Bridge:
- "Every soul has its own path": This line acknowledges the individuality of each person's journey and their unique pathway through life.
Chorus:
- "Lights, follow the lights, they will lead you home": The final repetition of the chorus reiterates the central theme of following these guiding "lights" to find a sense of purpose, hope, and belonging.
Overall, "Lights" by Elle Goulding is a powerful and inspirational anthem that encourages listeners to embrace hope, find strength in challenging situations, and believe in their ability to overcome darkness and find their way home.